Rafting

The crystal clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the glacial-melt of the Eastern Himalayas, six major rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries), have been scouted for kayaking and rafting. Although adventure sports and tourism are relatively recent introductions to Bhutan, they are rapidly gaining in popularity. The river courses available in Bhutan offer something for all visitors, regardless of experience: There are easy routes for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December.

Rafting in Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu

The white water of Bhutan is about as diverse as its topography. Rafting in Mo Chhu (Female River) and Pho Chhu (Male River) offers two different rafting experiences and both rivers change dramatically depending on the season. If you are new to rafting and maybe looking for an enjoyable and easy scenic float down the river, we recommend Mo Chhu rafting. The run starts just below Khamsum Chorten and takes you past the Queen’s and the King’s Palaces before coming to an end just below the Punakha Dzong.
Rafting on Pho Chhu can be combined with a short 30 minute hike up the side of the river through forest and farmland to the 12-year old Jibjokha Lhakhang before getting into the raft at Samdingkha. The Pho Chhu raft has a couple of challenging rapids and ends roughly pass Punakha Dzong.
Time: 1 hour drive to the starting point in Samdingkha. (1.5 – 2 hours rafting).

Each raft can take up to eight people and is manned by professional local guides.